February 4, 2021
Dear Cougs,
The adage of time flying when you are having fun definitely applies to the past three years! The beginning of February always brings me to reflect on the debt of gratitude I will always owe President Kirk Schulz. The opportunity he gave me to serve our student-athletes, coaches and staff has been extraordinary. As I begin my fourth year at Washington State University, I would be remiss if I didn't thank you, Cougs all over the globe, for your continued support of our athletics program. The accomplishments we've shared these past three years are lifelong memories. Yet what is on the horizon for WSU Athletics should be nothing short of spectacular. Congratulations to our student-athletes. Collectively, they finished fall with a 3.21 semester grade point average and a 3.15 cumulative GPA. In total, 63% of our student-athletes earned over a 3.00 semester GPA.
Things are off to a fast start with most of our varsity sports in competition:
With all that has occurred throughout the past year, now, more than ever, we know Cougar Athletics is poised in a direction of unprecedented, comprehensive success. We continue to foster a culture that provides our student-athletes a transformative experience at WSU that is made possible through your support and generosity.
We hope to see you in Pullman sometime down the road. Please continue to wear a mask, social distance and support WSU Athletics from your homes every chance you get.
Go Cougs!
Sincerely,
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Dear Cougs,
The adage of time flying when you are having fun definitely applies to the past three years! The beginning of February always brings me to reflect on the debt of gratitude I will always owe President Kirk Schulz. The opportunity he gave me to serve our student-athletes, coaches and staff has been extraordinary. As I begin my fourth year at Washington State University, I would be remiss if I didn't thank you, Cougs all over the globe, for your continued support of our athletics program. The accomplishments we've shared these past three years are lifelong memories. Yet what is on the horizon for WSU Athletics should be nothing short of spectacular. Congratulations to our student-athletes. Collectively, they finished fall with a 3.21 semester grade point average and a 3.15 cumulative GPA. In total, 63% of our student-athletes earned over a 3.00 semester GPA.
Things are off to a fast start with most of our varsity sports in competition:
- Last month our women's basketball team made history as it earned a No. 25 ranking in the AP poll, the first AP ranking in program history. I applaud our team, coach Kamie Ethridge, and her staff for their passion and never-say-die attitude. Their efforts have placed Cougar Basketball in the national spotlight for the first time in many years.
- Earlier this week, our men's basketball team made it three straight wins over the Huskies. It is evident coach Kyle Smith is rebuilding our program and we are well on our way
- In January, freshman Trinity Rodman was selected No. 2 by the Washington Spirit in the 2021 National Women's Soccer League Draft. Teammates Brianna Alger went No. 25 to Chicago and Makamae Gomera-Stevens went No. 27 to Houston. Rodman became the first underclassman in program history to be selected in the NWSL draft.
- Our soccer program looks to defend its 2019 College Cup appearance as its season begins Sunday at Seattle U. Coach Todd Shulenberger has the Cougars ranked No. 19 entering the season as they look for their fourth-straight trip to the NCAA Championship.
- Volleyball is off to a fast start this season, boasting a 3-1 record coming off a sweep at Arizona State. The Cougars enter this weekend ranked No. 24 nationally. Coach Jen Greeny has guided the Cougars to four-straight NCAA Championship appearances with eyes on No. 5.
- This week, coach Nick Rolovich is putting the final touches on the 2021 football Signing Class. This class will join an extraordinary group of young men who have some significant goals for the upcoming season. It will be fun to watch this team work through winter conditioning and spring football.
- Swimming recently concluded its dual match season with a 4-1 record and now turns its attention to the Pac-12 Championships later this month. Coach Matt Leach continues to guide an overall resurgence of the program, which includes its highest GPA in school history finishing the 2020 fall semester at 3.61.
- We continue to refine and build upon UNLEASH, the strategic plan for WSU Athletics. This evolving document continues to guide our planning and decisions. As a department, we seek growth, diversity, and resources that will impact our student-athletes and department for years to come.
With all that has occurred throughout the past year, now, more than ever, we know Cougar Athletics is poised in a direction of unprecedented, comprehensive success. We continue to foster a culture that provides our student-athletes a transformative experience at WSU that is made possible through your support and generosity.
We hope to see you in Pullman sometime down the road. Please continue to wear a mask, social distance and support WSU Athletics from your homes every chance you get.
Go Cougs!
Sincerely,